“Cringeworthy:” Netizens angry over Pakistani politicians celebrating King Charles’ birthday

The British High Commissioner in Islamabad hosted an event to celebrate King Charles’ 76th birthday, inviting prominent figures from Pakistan, including politicians. However, the event sparked criticism from netizens, who expressed disappointment over the participation of political leaders. 

Many questioned the relevance of their presence, highlighting Pakistan's colonial past and its ongoing struggles with pressing domestic issues that should take precedence over such celebrations.

UK High Commissioner to Pakistan, Jane Marriott shared a video of the celebration on Monday. The event featured a lively gathering of renowned personalities and celebrities, accompanied by music, dance, and a cake-cutting ceremony.

In the video, several ministers, including Ahsan Iqbal, Sarfraz Bugti, and Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar, were seen cutting the cake alongside Marriott to mark King Charles’ birthday.

The presence of political leaders at the event drew backlash from social media users. Many questioned why politicians were attending such an event when Pakistan faces numerous challenges.

Some slammed Barrister Gohar, who was seen at the event despite his party, PTI, grappling with political turmoil and the incarceration of its former chairman in Adiala Jail.

Several commenters highlighted the UK's role in supplying arms to Israel during the ongoing genocide of Palestinians in Gaza. They argued that the attendance of Pakistani politicians at the event undermined the country's official stance on Palestine.

“It is disappointing to see the PTI chairman celebrating the King’s birthday when his majesty’s government has done little to promote human rights and the rule of law in Pakistan. The event is cringeworthy in its colonial undertones when the host country struggles with democracy,” journalist Javed Hassan remarked.

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It is disappointing to see the PTI chairman celebrating the King’s birthday when his majesty’s government has done little to promote human rights and the rule of law in Pakistan. The event is cringeworthy in its colonial undertones when the host country struggles with democracy. https://t.co/wENBGIeEGz

— Javed Hassan (@javedhassan) November 18, 2024

Others criticised the celebration as an insult to Pakistan's national identity, pointing to the country’s painful colonial history under British rule. They argued that honoring the British monarchy’s events in such a manner was both inappropriate and embarrassing.

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Kaptaaan in jail and cutie gohar is celebrating King birthday 🤣 https://t.co/TfQiBlwwEp pic.twitter.com/k7VME4vLuE

— خان (@Khanstitution1) November 18, 2024

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Jane what VPN are you using as X is banned in Pakistan officially so are you disobeying the laws of the land as an ambassador in Pakistan or are you exempt from every law too? @FCDOGovUK https://t.co/ROTf4aO3tW

— Zubair Ahmed Khan (@ZubairKhanPK) November 18, 2024

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Nothing can be more cringe than Pakistanis celebrating the freaking King's birthday party. That the embassy makes a wholeass event out of it anywhere outside of the UK is ridiculous to begin with, but for our people to happily partake in this nonsense is even more so. Retards. https://t.co/WqufAKgM8E

— Alif (@vanillasky458) November 18, 2024

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The UK military launched 47% of air attacks on Gaza and yet the servants of majesty in Pakistan are celebrating the Kings birthday. This is how they view end to war on Palestine by celebrating the country that bombs innocent civilians in the name of Israel right to defence. https://t.co/vamN5vZe6p

— riaz ahmed (@riazahmedis) November 18, 2024

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This is embarrassingly cringe. It's weird enough that the British celebrate the birthday of their King as a state function but why exactly are Pakistanis celebrating it with them?

77 years since independence and Pakistan yet to have its decolonial moment. https://t.co/3lQzk65eb8

— Hiba Sameen (@hibasameen) November 18, 2024